Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY282714 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2007 Inspection date Kelly Eyre Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five in Irchester, Northamptonshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five during the day on a full-time basis, and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well nourished and their physical development is therefore promoted because the childminder has a good awareness of healthy eating. She produces weekly menu plans and provides snacks and meals that contain a balanced range of all food types. This area is further supported because the childminder has compiled additional information regarding daily dietary

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 requirements and how these can be met. Children's understanding of the relevance of healthy eating is promoted as they talk with the childminder about this, for example, discussing foods which are healthy and naming a variety of fruits. Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents and clearly recorded. Good daily hygiene practices ensure that the spread of infection is minimised. Children are learning about the relevance of these practices because the childminder talks with them about these issues, reinforcing their understanding.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a wide variety of activities which promote their physical development. The childminder's careful planning ensures that they have regular opportunities for outdoor activities. For example, they improve their skills in balance, control and co-ordination as they bounce on the trampoline, balance on ride-on equipment and take part in relay races and games. They also enjoy indoor activities such as action rhymes and music, and dance sessions. Their participation in a range of activities also enables them to develop their hand-eye co-ordination and finer physical skills and movements. For example, a young child manipulates puzzle pieces and fits these into the correct place, whilst an older child participates in a sewing and threading activity. Their overall health is further promoted because the childminder keeps accurate records of all health needs, and records accidents and medication accurately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is prioritised because the childminder has a good understanding of this area, taking positive steps to prevent accidents and promote all safety issues. There is a written emergency evacuation procedure and this is practised so that children become familiar with the routine and gain an understanding of this area, for example, a young child is able to explain which exits to use in an emergency. Additional policies further support this area, for example, there is an 'Emergency Back-up Plan' which details appropriate action to be taken and ensures that the childminder is able to promote children's safety in a range of circumstances. Children are gaining a good understanding about keeping themselves safe because they discuss these issues with the childminder and practise procedures such as crossing the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are offered a wide range of toys and play resources. These are well-organised and stored in appropriate containers so that children can see what is available and make choices about their play, for example, a child chooses puzzles from a large container. Children's play is further enhanced because the childminder notes their particular likes and interests and provides additional resources related to these. For example, a child who particularly enjoys puzzles is now able to choose from an extensive range of these. Children's welfare is well promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection. She has attended recent training to update her knowledge of this area and has paperwork and information to enable her to record, report and follow up any concerns without delay.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They are enthusiastic about their play and confidently choose their toys and activities. For example, a young child thoroughly enjoys completing puzzles, returning to the storage box a number of times to select different ones. Children have secure relationships with the childminder who joins in enthusiastically with their play and discussions, helping them to feel welcome and valued. For example, a young child enjoys working with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 childminder to find the matching picture dominoes, discussing the various trains and vehicles on the dominoes as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is extended because the childminder is skilled in making good use of all learning opportunities. For example, during a threading activity, children learn new skills as the childminder demonstrates how to thread and knot the laces. They are encouraged to use a selection of colours and the appropriate praise from the childminder inspires them to explore further. One child experiments with two laces together and is encouraged to talk about the colour combinations and to count the total number of laces. The childminder uses her skill and knowledge to adapt the activity for a younger child, encouraging the child to name the various colours and talk about the pictures created.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which cover all areas of learning. They have additional opportunities to mix with their peers and enjoy extended activities through their regular attendance at local toddler groups. Their development is further promoted because the childminder plans activities in advance, using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to inform this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is respected and the childminder makes sure that all are treated fairly and equally. Their behaviour is good and they happily share toys and play resources. This area is underpinned by the childminder's clear understanding of behaviour management and her consistent approach. For example, she explains all issues to children so that they are able to understand their behaviour and make decisions about this. A clear policy regarding behaviour management further supports this area. Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children who have learning difficulties or disabilities, she treats each child as an individual and would always consider how to meet specific needs. She ensures that children receive appropriate support so that they are able to participate in daily routines and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have daily access to a variety of play resources such as books, dolls and puzzles, which give positive images and information about other ways of life. They are offered activities which further promote their understanding and encourage them to think about different lifestyles. Their understanding of their community is well promoted through the use of local facilities such as parks, shops and toddler groups. Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. She ensures that they are aware of all policies and procedures. They are kept well informed of their children's progress and activities through regular discussions with the childminder, with the use of daily diary sheets for babies and young children, and the use of a house diary which details all activities and daily routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, children's needs are met. Their continuing safety and welfare are promoted because all details and information are accurately recorded. All paperwork and records are well-organised, accessible and stored confidentially. This is further supported by a clear policy regarding confidentiality, which ensures that children are protected and parents are aware of records and access to these. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm and positive attitude towards reviewing and improving her practice. She attends additional training and ensures that her policies and procedures are up-to-date with current regulations and she is therefore able

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to provide appropriate care for all children. There are practical policies and procedures that cover most areas of work and these are implemented on a daily basis. This ensures that children are offered consistent care and that parents are aware of the daily practice and routines. However, records, policies and procedures will be reviewed and evaluated to ensure that they continue to reflect the childminder's practice and promote children's continuing welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

Children's daily care is enhanced by the childminder's careful organisation of her work. Clear daily routines and good forward-planning ensure that each day incorporates a range of activities and play opportunities. For example, children are able to play with their peers and play independently, choose their own toys and games and participate in structured activities. Space within the home is organised efficiently so that children's varying needs can be met and they are offered a range of play opportunities. For example, there is room for children to sleep comfortably and participate in larger, floor-based activities or more intricate ones such as crafts and puzzles.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that children are supervised when in the presence of the pet dog. There is now no dog at the property, thus ensuring children's safety in this area. The childminder was asked to provide an appropriate range of activities and resources to promote equality of opportunity. She has now provided additional resources and makes good use of activities to encourage children to think further and consider other lifestyles, thus increasing their awareness of this area. The childminder was also asked to provide a first aid box and to obtain written parental permission for emergency medical advice or treatment. These are both now in place, further promoting children's health in an emergency situation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • consider ways in which records, policies and procedures can be further enhanced to ensure the continuing welfare, care and learning of children.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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